While in Russia, Dumas came to admire the work of his contemporary and
namesake, the Russian poet and writer Alexander Sergeyvich Pushkin
(1799-1837), shot to death in a duel at the age of 38. Dumas translated at
least three short stories by Pushkin, including Le Faiseur de Cerceuils
probably in 1859, and wrote a sketch of Pushkin's life and death.
In this story, a coffin is invited to a party of tradesmen, and, offended
by their slighting of his profession, offers a toast to the health of the
dead. After the consumption of a considerable volume of beverages, the
coffin maker is visited by his satisfied customers who offer a spirited
testimonial to the quality of his work.
